Review of Saturday 3rd September at the Bowls England National Finals 2022
Men’s Junior singles
Warwickshire’s Daniel Ellicott lifted the Junior Singles Trophy this afternoon after his first time qualifying in the competition.
Ellicott overcame some tough opposition to reach the final, beating England players Harry Goodwin and Tom McGuinness in the early rounds. In the semi-final he managed to hold his own against last year’s winner Jordan Philpott, securing an impressive 16-6 lead and drawing the winning shot after Philpott clawed back to 20-all.
Chatting to the newly crowned winner, Ellicott said he felt relatively unfazed when coming up against some very experienced opposition.
“I knew that I had to stay focused,” he said. “I was telling myself I just needed to go out there and play my game.”
The 22-year-old said he was “absolutely chuffed to bits” and said he would like to dedicate the win to Andy Hughes from Lillington Bowls Club who has coached him from the age of 13.
“I wouldn’t be here without him,” he said.
Lloyd Milligan also had a good run in the competition, conceding just eight shots in the second round and quarter final stages of the competition. In the semi-final he defeated Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist Kieran Rollings (Northants) 21-16 after tying 11-all.
The final started incredibly tight before Milligan shot to a 16-10 lead. This didn’t faze Ellicott however, who started to chip back at the score to just two behind. Milligan then scored an impressive three shots to take him to 19 shots.
The Warwickshire player, who formed part of the Runner Up squad in the White Rose trophy just a week earlier, then played some impressive ends to keep Milligan from getting the final two shots.
In the last end, Ellicott managed to draw three within two feet of the jack with his opponent just narrowly missing from getting the shot with his final bowl.
Men’s Champion of Champions
The final stages of the competition got underway on Saturday, which saw one of England’s Commonwealth Games stars get off to an impressive start after defeating Kent’s Chris Ashdown 21-3. But it wasn’t meant to be in the semi-final against Cambridgeshire’s Scott Walton, narrowly losing 21-20 after an exceptional level of bowling.
Kent’s Harry Goodwin sailed to the final after securing two excellent wins against Wiltshire’s Scott Edwards and Hertfordshire’s Matt Coppen, winning 21-11 and 21-8 respectively.
The final started off fairly one sided with 24-year-old Goodwin getting off to a 12-1 start. But Walton picked up a three and changed the jack length by taking the mat up the green, temporarily throwing the former Devon player off. Walton then took the lead and went 16-14.
Goodwin was determined not to let the title slip through his fingers however, and picked up a three and a one to edge 18-16 in front.
The final few ends certainly played up to the crowd as the two experienced bowlers continued to convert heads and leave the winner anything but certain. In the last end both players matched each other, but Goodwin managed to draw the shot bowl with his last, winning him his first outdoor singles title.
“I couldn’t believe I drew it, what a way to win,” Goodwin said. “I can’t believe I won it, I’m over the moon.”
Asked how he felt when Walton started to come back and eventually edged in front, he said: “I started off playing quite well and I was trying not to think about the score, just trying to win the next point. It’s more mental than anything else.
“Walton then changed the mat and he was playing it really well. I didn’t think I was doing too much wrong, he just upped his game.”
Women’s Fours
The preliminary and first rounds of the Women’s Fours got underway today, with some teams recording some impressive score lines.
Lincolnshire’s Helen Butler, Louise Whyers, Penny Strong and Annalisa Dunham defeated a Buckinghamshire four 31-2.
On another rink, Amy Walters, Joan Parfitt, Debbie Seward and Sue Davies from Worcestershire defeated a local team 29-5.
The last 16 and quarter finals will take place on Sunday.
Sunday 4th Preview
Women’s and Men’s fours action dominates the second Sunday of this year’s Bowls England National Finals. After a busy Saturday 48 teams have been whittled down to the 16 counties who contest the Women’s second round which gets underway at 10am. The quarter-finals which follow during the afternoon session can be followed on our website. Click here for live scoring.
A 48-strong field also starts the Men’s Fours hoping to succeed Cumbria’s Workington as this year’s National Champions. Action takes place across Greens B, C and D throughout the day ahead of Monday’s round of 16. Click here for live scoring.
Social media coverage is available on Bowls England’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites.
Tickets to the National Finals start at just £4 for adults and £1 for Under 21s offer a full day of top-class sporting action. Tickets increase to £5.50 adults and £1.50 Under 21s at weekends. Event passes are available and all tickets are cheaper in advance.
Please note: U16s must be accompanied by an adult. Under 3s enter free of charge.